Cars are some of the most dependable machines; they transport you to locations and keep you safe during your travels. But even cars can only take so much wear and tear before they need to go to your local mechanic—and during the change in seasons, some services become more popular than others. Here are some of the most common seasonal vehicle repairs mechanics see, depending on the time of year.
Fall
As the weather begins to get cooler and fall approaches, many people find their vehicles experiencing the following:
- Air Springs: Bad air springs can result in lower suspension that causes the car to sit lower to the ground. Once air suspension fails, it can heavily impact other parts of your vehicle.
- Engine Distributor: A failing distributor won’t achieve maximum engine performance and performance.
- Timing Cover Gaskets: Damaged timing covers won’t seal. This lets dirt and debris to enter the engine, causing damage.
- Heater System: Checking your car’s heating system can address temperature-regulating issues that can lead to overheating.
Winter
As the temperatures continue to plummet, your vehicle will most likely need some of these components looked at:
- Oil Cooler Lines: Damaged oil cooler lines can cause oil leakage, coolant leakage, and black smoke.
- Windshield Washers: The washer pump is electronic and experiences wear and tear over time. If washer fluid isn’t distributing evenly or doesn’t engage upon activation, consider having the washers checked.
- Headlight Bulbs: Failing headlights can flicker on and off spontaneously or dim compared to when they were new.
Spring
Once the weather starts to warm up and the snow clears, it becomes the perfect time for some of these parts to get assessed. They can cause issues in many vehicles.
- Window Motors: Bad window motors can require multiple presses to roll the window up or down; window speed can be significantly slower than usual.
- Timing Chain: This part can be responsible for nearly half of all car repairs and will usually require replacement around this time.
- Wheel Speed Sensors: When this sensor experiences debilitating wear and tear, it can cause stability and traction control loss.
Summer
To ensure a smooth road trip with minimal issues, have your car evaluated in the following problem areas:
- HVAC Failure: Weak airflow, thermostat issues, unusual sounds, and smells are all signs of a system that needs repair.
- Cooling Fans: If your vehicle’s cooling fans are not operating, this could be because of a faulty cooling motor.
The most common vehicle repairs can vary from season to season, which is why staying on top of routine maintenance visits are essential. These services are vital to your car’s performance and can make all the difference in its lifespan.